Argumentative Writing Decoded
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Transcript of Argumentative Writing Decoded
Argumentative Writing DecodedJENNIFER C. CHANDLER, PRESENTER
LEAD MASTER TEACHER, SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS
WHITE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL, 7 T H GRADE ENGLISH
What is an argument? An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.
Essential Ingredientso An issue open to debateo Position on the issueo Reasons for that positiono Evidence to support the reasons:
experience, expert opinion, research, statisticso Counterclaimso Conclusion
An Issue Open to Debate
Marijuana should be legalized.◦ ArguableSmoking is harmful to people’s health.◦ Not Arguable
ABCD is the best school in the district.◦ Arguable
Emissions hurt the ozone.◦ Not arguable
The Architecture of Argument
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THE OPPOSITION
The Architecture of Argument
THE OPPOSITION
YOUR POSITION
The Architecture of Argument
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THE OPPOSITION
The Architecture of Argument
YOUR POSITIONREASON
THE OPPOSITION
The Architecture of Argument
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EVIDENCE
THE OPPOSITION
The Structure of Classical Argument
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Background Information
Reasons and Evidence
The Opposing View and the Refutation
Conclusion
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Three persuasive appeals
Logos (Logic)◦ The appeal to reason
Pathos (Emotion)◦ The appeal to emotion
Ethos (Credibility)◦ The appeal of one’s character
All persuasive appeals are really about involving your audience.
Some Ways to Use the Three AppealsCredibility Logic Emotion
Show that you are fair- and open-minded
Point to other “experts” or an authority other than yourself
Cite research
Show why people should listen to you and believe you
Rely primarily on facts
Use deductive or inductive reasoning to reach your conclusion
Use classical argument, including reason and evidence to support your claim
Use emotionally charged or highly connotative words
Appeal to peoples fears, concerns, passions, vanity, sense of justice, and so forth
Take advantage of rhythm and refrain in language
The Process1. Analyze exemplar texts.
a. Persuasive vs. Argumentativeb. Organization
2. Discuss the structure of a “Classical Argument.”
3. Evaluate structure of an exemplar.4. Assign writing topic.
Strategies and Tips Use exemplars to teach persuasive vs. argumentative to build foundational knowledge. (p. 2-3) When choosing exemplar for evaluation, pick a topic that interests students. (p. 4-5) Differentiate your scaffolding of the process as needed. (last page) Feedback: Quality over quantity!
Close Reading of Exemplar
Table 1: Structure of Classical Argument
Table 2: Word ChoiceTable 3: ConclusionTable 4: Appeals to AuthorityTable 5: Appeals to EmotionTable 6: Appeals to ReasonTable 7: Examples of Refutation and
Concession
Resources• Mike McGuire’s Com 101 class notes, MV Community College
• Dr. Josephine Koster of material from Real Writing (2nd Edition) by Walter Beale (1986)
• Exemplar argumentative text: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/kosterj/archives/writ102/sampleclassical argument.htm
• Notes on “The Classical Argument”: www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/writingcenter/centerHandoutClassicalArgument.pdf
• Edward P. J. Corbett, Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student (Oxford, 1971)
• Walter H. Beale, Real Writing (Scott Foresman, 1986)
The End Jennifer C. Chandler Email: [email protected] Website: www.mrschandler.com Twitter: @chandlerjc / @wsms.chandlerjc LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mrschandler Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/chandlerjc